The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Boatswain Adolph M. Bothne, United States Navy, for exceptional courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety while serving on board the Battleship U.S.S. OKLAHOMA (BB-37), during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Upon the U.S.S. OKLAHOMA capsizing within ten minutes after the attack began, Boatswain Bothne pulled himself into a motor launch of which he acted as coxswain. By skillful handling, he succeeded in picking up a boatload of survivors from the water and landed them at Ford Island. He then returned to the vicinity of the U.S.S. OKLAHOMA and rescued another boatload of survivors, all who remained in sight of that area, and landed them at Ford Island also. Thereafter throughout the remainder of the attack, despite severe bombing and strafing, he patrolled the battleship line in search of more survivors. Furthermore, subsequent to the attack, he assisted most efficiently in fighting fires and in the rescue of personnel trapped in the U.S.S. OKLAHOMA. The conduct of Boatswain Bothne throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.